El Paso County, Texas – At a September 21 presentation, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office disclosed a projected deficit of $5,903,861.58 for fiscal year 2026. The office’s adopted budget was $136,423,023, while the revised budget now stands at $144,147,249, reflecting a $7,724,226 increase since the last update on September 14.
Spending to date and sources of the shortfall
As of September 14, the department had spent 94.42% of its total budget, with salary and benefits expenditures at 98.54%. The target spending level for September 15 was 92.31%, indicating that actual outlays have outpaced the original plan. Overtime costs, rising fuel and food prices, and higher salaries were identified as the primary drivers of the projected deficit.
Sheriff’s response and corrective actions
Sheriff Ugarte addressed the community in a statement, emphasizing that the projected shortfall does not mean overtime spending is accelerating at the same rate. He highlighted ongoing efforts to control overtime while maintaining 24‑hour operations at two detention facilities and providing round‑the‑clock law‑enforcement services.
“We are reviewing expenditures, reducing costs wherever we safely can, and working with the Budget Team, County Administration, and Commissioners Court,” the sheriff said. He added that concerns have been raised about funding levels for overtime, which he believes do not reflect the actual operational needs of the department.
County oversight and next steps
During the September 14 Commissioners Court meeting, officials discussed inviting Sheriff Ugarte to appear at the September 21 budget update to provide a detailed explanation of overtime expenses. The county’s leadership is expected to collaborate with the sheriff’s office to develop a realistic, sustainable budget that avoids similar shortfalls in future years.
The sheriff’s office pledged continued transparency and accountability, promising to keep taxpayers informed as the year‑end projection evolves. “My goal is not to argue over a projection but to work together to identify the actual costs of safely operating the Sheriff’s Office,” Ugarte said.
Implications for residents
El Paso County residents rely on the sheriff’s office for public safety, detention services, and emergency response. While the projected deficit raises concerns about fiscal pressure, the department’s commitment to cost‑saving measures and close coordination with county officials aims to preserve essential services without compromising safety.
County officials will continue to monitor spending trends and adjust allocations as needed. The upcoming budget discussions will focus on balancing the need for adequate law‑enforcement resources with responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
